If you’ve been out and about this week, one thing is clear: the mood is distinctly autumnal and the shops are brimming with stylish winter coats, cosy knits and chunky boots for the new-season ahead.
Whether you want to nail your casual off-duty looks or you’re building a winter work wardrobe and need smarter layers, the key item that wraps everything up is a sensational winter coat.
The good news is the high street’s offering of winter coats is better than ever. The downside? They’ll be selling out fast.
Prices are on the up and a coat is highly likely to be one of the most expensive things you’ll buy for the winter season. I’ve been scouring every online high street coat section and the reality is that very few winter coats come in under £100. Find some of the best at H&M, Stradivarius and Reserved.
If you’re willing to up your budget and make more of an investment, look to Mango, & Other Stories and Massimo Dutti. For maximum wear, find a coat that’ll go with as many as your existing pieces as possible and enhance your autumn capsule wardrobe, instead of being worn just once or twice.
For more casual styles, look to puffer, teddy bear, quilted and parka coats, which you can layer over everything from loungewear to jeans and your favourite woolly jumpers. Longline and wrap-around wool coats are then great options for workwear and smarter evenings out.
Shop the best winter coats on the high street right now
Make sure you have one smart and one more casual coat ready to go and you’ll be prepared for anything this winter.
Longline coats
If this is the year you’ve decided to invest in a workwear coat, you’re in luck. There are some beautiful options on the high street that will keep you cosy while looking super-chic at the same time.
Every one of these options feels tailored, seamlessly bringing any classic workwear look together by falling at a flattering length just below the knee. You can’t go wrong with neutral shades in grey, khaki, navy, and black.
Wrap-around coats
If a longline coat feels too formal for you, look to wrap around styles which offer extra snugness. I’m a fan of oversized styles that fall below the knee (if you‘re petite, look to Warehouse which offer different lengths).
Then, to make sure your coat looks more outwear than dressing gown, find a coat in a weightier fabric with a luxe-looking lining.
Teddy bear coats
The cosiest, cuddliest coat of all has to be the aptly named teddy bear coat.
From long shearling styles that will envelop you in the deepest depths of winter, to cropped and collared versions for transitional months.
Shearling jacket
The stylish sister to those snuggly teddy bear coats is the shearling jacket, whose popularity is still rising since Mango’s cult take on the covetable Toteme jacket.
Aviator + biker jackets
Aviator and leather biker jackets are notoriously expensive, even on the high street at All Saints and Whistles. Thankfully there are still some cosy options for any budget that are perfect for a winter weekend getaway or your next brunch trip. Just look to Stradivarius and Next.
Colourful coats
If you’re feeling bolder, pick out a coat in a bright pop of colour or Barbiecore pink. Mango’s red wool coat is *the* moment in this season’s most popular colour: red.
Winter trench coats
If you’re the ultimate trench coat devotee, come rain or shine, turn to styles in heavier fabrics with extra cosy linings for autumnal months.
We’re all familiar with classic beige styles, but why not try a velvet version like this luxurious Anthropologie coat or the on-trend grey alternative from & Other Stories.
Leather-look coats
Leather was prolific across the autumn / winter catwalks, with leather coats leading the way, as well as leather trousers and skirts. The high street has, unsurprisingly, followed suit.
How do you find a version that looks as expensive, but without the designer price tag? For anything under £100, avoid the PU effect – basically anything that looks like plastic (unless you’re going all-out with extreme high shine) and keep the shades earthy, like Next’s berry red style.
Then if you have more to spend, look to Massimo Dutti where you’ll find real leather versions for under £500.
Puffer coats
When the sky’s threatening snow and hail, it’s time for a puffer coat. To help style them straight into your everyday looks, try a belted style or a longer coat that falls below your knees. That way they’ll work with trousers as well as winter dresses or skirts.
Quilted coats
Ever since the infamous Frankie Shop green quilted coat went viral and was spotted on influencers world over, quilted coats have been in the spotlight.
Massimo Dutti have a sleek cropped version, while French Connection’s khaki quilted coat offers multiple styling options with its removable sleeves.
If you’ve had enough of khaki, there’s a great offering of other shades for the new season, like this chocolate brown style from Damson Madder at Anthropologie.
Faux fur coats
When party season rolls around again you’ll be needing a warm coat to layer over the top of your outfits for dashing between venues. A faux fur coat is a failsafe and will always look dressy whatever the dress code.
Head over heels for Charlotte Simone’s sell-out styles? Sign yourself up for her next drop or rent one for your next day out. A stylish alternative is Superdry’s faux fur version (available in multiple shades), which brings all the glam for the new season with a 70s twist.
Wax jackets
New for this season are waxy parkas, but not as you know them. You don’t need to be grabbing your wellies and walking your dog for this look (unless you want to).
Yes they have the corduroy collars and countryside feel, but hems have been lengthened and details added to elevate them for everyday wear.
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